A PROPOSAL was announced (Malvern Gazette, April 4) that disabled car parking spaces should be introduced on Belle Vue Terrace.

The Malvern Access Group approves of the proposal for these spaces, not only for those going to the town council offices but also to the shops on Belle Vue Terrace. We also feel there should be disabled parking on Worcester Road beyond the pedestrian crossing.

We were somewhat taken aback by Mr Cheeseman's letter (Your Letters, April 12). In this he states that blue (or originally orange) badge holders do not need these parking spaces. He says the disabled have an adequate number of spaces if they use double yellow lines.

This disregards the fact that even disabled drivers must take note of the Highway Code which states, inter alia, that parking near an intersection must be avoided. We, as an Access Group, would not approve of any dangerous or inconsiderate parking. There are also rules given to holders of the badges limiting the places where they park. This means that parking near the shops beyond the Mount Pleasant Hotel is difficult or sometimes impossible.

He may not appreciate the problem encountered by the disabled in Malvern. There is a new car park above the road but it necessitates walking up and down the hill, which is difficult for many disabled. The same problem occurs on Church Street and Graham Road, which do not have any disabled parking spaces. There is a disabled space outside the post office, but it is often temporarily occupied illegally by a driver not having a blue badge.

We would ask your readers to support our local councillors when they make it easier for the disabled to live a normal life. We would also welcome any comments by the people with disabilities in relation to car parking.

MR R B CLAYTON, The Malvern Access Group, Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern.